February 2025

What sets CEOs apart from the rest of us? Is it experience, education, or a knack for thinking outside the box? Whatever the answer, it often felt out of reach until now. This learning app brings the strategies and insights of top leaders and authors right to your fingertips in 15 minutes or less. Curious how it works?

Try it yourself with a Headway Premium lifetime subscription on sale for $47.99 while codes last.

Get a little smarter every day.

Too busy to read? No problem. Headway’s goal is to make reading more accessible by breaking down nonfiction books into 15-minute summaries you can read or listen to on your lunch break, during your commute, or anywhere in between.

You’ll find hundreds of book summaries on almost any topic—business, self-care, leadership, negotiation, sports, environment, and even some fiction. Lifetime access at this price won’t last long, so head to checkout now.

If you aren’t sure what to read first, check out a curated collection like “Think Like a CEO.” Read one each day to start thinking like Warren Buffet:

• The 80/20 CEO: Take command of your business in 100 days
• Negotiation Hacks: expert tactics to get what you want
• The Diary of a CEO: The 33 laws of business and life
• Leaders Eat Last: Why some teams pull together and others don’t

With lifetime access, you can look forward to new book summaries added on a regular basis. That’s probably why Headway was named the App Store’s “App of the Day’ and has over 100 positive reviews.

Buy your Headway lifetime subscription for $47.99 (reg. $299.95) while you can. Sale ends March 30 at 11:59 p.m. PT.

Headway Premium: Lifetime Subscription – $59.99

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This time of year, the stress starts the moment we get our W-2s in our inboxes, and we only feel relief until the next tax season. This year, why not file your taxes early and stretch out that peace of mind? Especially when we’re running our best-selling offer on H&R Block Tax Deluxe.

When we ran this deal last year, it sold out in less than 24 hours: File your federal and state taxes online with H&R Block for $39.99, compared to their usual price of $59.99. This Deluxe plan covers anyone who is single or married, has children, has investments, and wants to maximize deductions. It does not cover self-employed individuals or business owners.

Why go with H&R Block?

If you normally use Turbotax or Quicken, you may not be getting the maximum number of deductions. Easily import your W-2s, 1099s, and 1098s, plus any other information, from your old accounts to save precious time.

H&R Block gives you step-by-step guidance on over 350 tax credits and deductions. They’re so sure you’ll get a larger amount back than other services that if you find a bigger refund elsewhere, your tax prep is free.

When you have questions during the filing process—because filing taxes is never just a cut-and-dry process—you can browse H&R Block’s library of articles, FAQs, and tips on tax preparation.

And, in the unlikely case that you get audited, H&R Block will provide you with free in-person support. Talk about having your back.

File your taxes now and be done with H&R Block Tax Software Deluxe + State 2024 for $39.99 (reg. $59.99). These codes will set out fast, so get yours soon.

H&R Block Tax Software Deluxe + State 2024 for Windows/Mac [Online Code] – $39.99

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In our most recent The CEO Series episode, we filmed the CEO of Tanium, Dan Streetman. In an era where cyber threats are ever-changing and growing more sophisticated, Tanium is leading the charge to fortify organizations against digital attacks. A former U.S. Army Ranger and experienced executive, Streetman brings a unique blend of military discipline and corporate leadership to one of the world’s leading cybersecurity companies.

With Tanium serving major U.S. banks, all U.S. military branches, government agencies, retailers and more, Streetman emphasized the company’s mission of delivering “the power of certainty” to organizations navigating an increasingly volatile cyber landscape. After all, when a major bank, or a military branch or a school experiences a cyber attack from a bad actor, it can throw the organization into a tailspin.

Related: How Military Service Taught the CEO of Arc’teryx to Lead with Precision and Passion

A lot of Streetman’s leadership philosophies came from his military experience, particularly his training in high-pressure situations. He drew parallels between military operations and business challenges, emphasizing that great leaders must balance confidence with humility.

Tanium has sophisticated technology, but so do the people implementing cyber attacks. One major concern Dan raised is the growing role of AI in cyber attacks. We all hear about the great aspects of AI. I, myself, use it every day. Businesses are implementing AI into everything they do. AI has revolutionized the business world, and hopefully it will improve our overall society as a whole, but it has also empowered bad actors to launch more sophisticated attacks at an unprecedented pace.

He warns that adversaries, free from ethical constraints, often weaponize AI to outmaneuver traditional security measures. Tanium is responding in kind, leveraging AI to enhance autonomous endpoint management, allowing organizations to detect and neutralize threats faster than ever before.

Beyond his CEO role at Tanium, Streetman displayed his passion for mentorship, particularly in helping veterans transition from the military to technology careers. Through initiatives like VetForce and VetsinTech, he actively supports former service members by equipping them with the skills needed for the digital economy. After talking with Dan for a few hours, it made sense. And I mean that in a great way. On top of that, Dan has competed in 13 ironmans! 13. He’s also run a few marathons guiding blind runners. I gotta be honest, I was a little weary of the CEO who runs Ironmans, works at a cybersecurity company in the Bay Area and was a U.S. Army Ranger. That’s intense! But the end of it all, I thought he seemed like a great leader, engaged, and he was passionate about security.

Related: 5 Founder-CEOs Come Together to Discuss the Realities of Leadership, Entrepreneurship and What It Takes to Succeed

As small- and mid-size businesses (SMBs) continue to face economic challenges, reducing software costs has become a significant focus for entrepreneurs and small-business owners. Approximately 60% of SMBs actively price shop for technology and software and are looking for cost-effective solutions without compromising on quality, according to data from strategy and management consulting firm McKinsey.

Going back to the software basics could be one way to cut costs. Through February 23, you can choose from Microsoft Office 2019 for Mac for $39.99 or Microsoft Office 2019 for Windows for just $34.97.

This lifetime license gives business professionals the essential tools they need, from Word to Excel, PowerPoint, and more, without ongoing subscriptions or unexpected renewal fees. For those not ready to upgrade their operating systems or who prefer predictable, one-time costs, this offer is a game changer.

While it’s not the latest version, Office 2019 is still packed with value and perfect for those who don’t need all the cloud-based features of Office 365. Whether you’re a small business owner, freelancer, or IT professional, this deal provides a robust suite of tools to boost productivity, security, and flexibility — all while staying offline and keeping your data on your terms.

For professionals on a budget, Office 2019 offers a lifetime license — pay once, use forever. Unlike Office 365’s subscription model, there’s no need to worry about ongoing monthly fees or surprise price hikes. For entrepreneurs looking to manage costs, this ensures you know exactly what you’re paying and when, with no hidden fees down the line.

For Mac users, Office 2019 is compatible with macOS 13 or newer—so you don’t have to upgrade to the latest operating system like Monterey or Ventura. On Windows, Office Professional 2019 works with Windows 10 or 11.

Hurry and pick up one of these lifetime licenses for a discount until February 23 at 11:59 p.m. Pacific:

Microsoft Office Professional Plus 2019 for Windows – $34.97

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Recent reports from the specialists at North One indicate that 66.3% of entrepreneurs use their personal funds to start their companies. Your business is your life, and you put everything you can into it, but it might be less stressful if you have a healthy investment account to rely on.

If you’ve ever thought about trying day trading, you may want to improve your chances of success on the stock market with the Ultimate Candlestick Trading and Analysis Master Class Bundle. It’s available for just $24.97 until 11:59 p.m. PT on March 30.

Investing doesn’t have to feel like gambling

The bundle has eight modules showing you the ropes of informed investing strategies. Novices will want to start with Day Trading for Dummies, a step-by-step guide to everything you need to know to start day trading. It covers chart indicators and technical analysis to trading psychology and fundamental analysis, plus everything in between.

Then you can move on to the Day Trading Secrets. The bundle includes four more modules showing you how to manage volume analysis, swing trades, and earn serious profits in the stock market.

The Ultimate Candlestick Trading & Analysis Masterclass is a crowd favorite, with former students rating it 4.8 out of 5 stars. That’s where you’ll really get into the secrets that can guide your investment strategy.

No class can guarantee every investment is going to hit big, but studying can help show you how to invest like a pro.

One of the best features of this bundle is the Market Master Trading Group, where beginners and more seasoned traders can go for support and guidance from a community of experienced individuals. It provides a safe, supportive space for members to connect and share their strategies, experiences and insights. These courses are presented by Travis Rose, a full-time investor and day trader in the U.S. stock market who has been trading full-time for more than five years.

Get The Ultimate Candlestick Trading & Analysis Master Class Bundle while the price has dropped to just $24.97 (Reg. $29.99) until 11:59 p.m. PT on March 30.

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Whether you just launched your company or have been running it for years, making money last is always a challenge. There are so many tempting things that seem like they could help promote your brand or take your business to the next level. But the truth is, not every expense actually brings a return on the investment.

I have seen a lot of businesses accidentally waste funds on ideas that look good on the surface but don’t really do much for profits or growth. Then down the road, they wish they had that money back for when it was really needed. That’s why I wanted to share my thoughts on some common business expenses that you may want to reconsider or tweak before you add them to your budget.

Related: 10 Essential Startup Expenses, and 10 You Should Avoid

1. Expensive office decor and furniture

When first setting up a new office, it can be tempting to go all out and buy expensive furniture and decorations to make the office look great. While having a nice workspace is important, spending a ton of money on decor when you’re first starting out probably isn’t a good idea. Funky rugs, expensive art on the walls and super comfy lounge chairs in the break room sound nice, but they won’t directly help your business make money. It’s usually better to get basic, affordable furniture and spend money on things that will attract customers or clients instead. You can always upgrade the office look later when you have more money coming in.

2. Lavish company parties

Throwing big, fancy company parties can be a fun way to boost morale, but they can also be a major business expense if not done carefully. Before planning a blowout holiday bash or summer cookout, think about whether the cost is really worth it versus other ways you could spend the money. Consider hosting lower-key, affordable events instead of going all out at expensive venues and catering top-shelf food and drinks. Employee appreciation is great, but focus on building the business first before splurging too much on parties.

3. Unnecessary office space

Renting more office space than your business truly needs is wasting money that could be better spent elsewhere. If your company is still small with just a few employees working remotely most of the time or in a shared co-working space, you may not need a huge private office yet. Only expand your physical workspace as your employee count and on-site needs grow. Consider if a smaller, less expensive space could still meet your short-term needs to avoid overpaying for space sitting empty much of the time. Location can also affect rent prices, so evaluate if an equally good but less pricey area could work for you as well.

4. Overpaying for services

When first starting out, it’s easy to overpay for services since you likely have little negotiating experience yet. Make sure to get multiple quotes for services like website development, graphic design, legal help and more so you don’t get charged way more than necessary. Ask other local business owners for recommendations of reasonably priced service providers too. Additionally, confirm that your service providers will clearly outline the costs upfront so you aren’t shocked by unexpected extra fees later on.

Related: 8 Unconventional Ways to Cut Costs in Your Business

5. Unnecessary business insurance coverage

While proper insurance is important, not all types of policies are absolutely necessary for every business. Evaluate your specific risks and needs before just signing up for every coverage type an agent suggests. For example, you may not require international business travel insurance if you have no overseas plans yet. Confirm you only insure assets you truly own — like not paying to cover leased equipment you will return. Always shop around quotes too to avoid overpaying due to lack of knowledge. Note that understanding your insurance basics will help avoid wasting funds on unnecessary policies.

6. Expensive conferences

The chance to network sounds exciting, but understand that industry events require plane tickets, hotels, food expenses and time away from running the core business. Ensure any conference truly aligns with specific goals like making three deals or more. If your attendance won’t directly lead to quantifiable results, the major investment may not be worth it starting out. Consider cheaper local meetups first.

7. Business gifts and swag

Customized mugs, pens, luggage tags and other branded swag sure can look nice, but they may not directly improve your sales or service enough to justify the often hefty upfront costs. Consider lower-cost or digital-only alternatives like email signatures and social graphics when possible. You can, either way, spend your gift and swag money on proven marketing tactics or employee bonuses instead if your goal is pure business growth versus brand exposure. Quality clients will care more about your work than free tchotchkes.

Related: The 8 Most Common Areas of Overspending in Business

8. Wasteful office supplies

It’s easy to over-order basic office supplies in a quest for organizational perfection, especially at the start. But supplies have storage and expiration costs, so only buy what you will reasonably use within about six months to avoid waste. This goes for snacks and beverages, too. Also, take inventory before repurchasing to avoid duplicates sitting around unused. Remember you can always do smaller, more frequent supply orders as needed to cut back on excess. And don’t forget to look for lower-priced bulk or wholesale suppliers, which is better than always relying on major brands.

Hope this gives you all something to think about next time an inviting expense comes your way. Entrepreneurship is all about being scrappy — so get creative allocating funds strategically to where they’ll have the highest ROI for your unique goals first.

In a feature published Thursday, Costco Chairman Hamilton “Tony” James told Chief Executive Magazine that even though he’s been on Costco’s board for 36 years, he still loves attending the meetings.

“I find it fascinating,” James said in the Q&A. “The company is a great window on what’s going in the world of consumers, what they’re buying or not buying.”

And what they’re buying, in addition to the beloved $1.50 hot dog combo, are 10-carat diamonds and gold bars. (Wells Fargo analysts found in September that the company sells up to $200 million worth of gold bars monthly.)

Related: Would You Live Above a Costco? Thrive Living Is Building an Apartment Complex on Top of the Warehouse Chain

“A Porsche dealer in Seattle put their cars on the floor of a Costco, and they sold out in a week,” James said.

Costco had about 137 million paying members in 2024, and most, James said, are “average-income earners nationally” but the warehouse chain also has “affluent members with two times the average income.”

Those members allow the company to do “remarkable things” like selling more high-priced Dom Perignon Champagne than “anyone else” — and for decades. In 2001, for example, the then-director of wine at Costco told the Los Angeles Times that the warehouse chain was the “nation’s biggest retailer of Dom Perignon.”

Business Insider reports that, according to data from analytics firm Numerator, millennial and Gen X households with higher income preferred shopping at Costco over the competition.

Related: Costco Bulks Up Most Store Workers’ Paychecks to More Than $30 an Hour.

“We’ve always known we could move anything in volume if the quality was good and the price was great — Rolex watches, Dom Perignon, 10-carat diamonds,” James said.

“Affluent people love a good deal,” he added, though they aren’t only buying luxury items.

The company’s Kirkland brand is “the second-largest brand anywhere,” James notes.

Costco reported net sales of $19.51 billion for January 2025, an increase of 9.2 percent from the same period last year.

Want to 10x your revenue without hiring more staff? AI is revolutionizing marketing, and if you’re not leveraging it, you’re leaving money on the table. In this video, I’m breaking down 4 powerful AI automations that can save you up to 3 days per week while scaling your business effortlessly.

What You’ll Learn:

• Content Research on Autopilot – Find top-performing content and get fresh ideas in minutes.

• AI Chatbots for Conversions – Boost sales and customer engagement 24/7.

• Lead Generation Made Easy – Automate cold outreach and close more deals.

• Sales Automation That Works – Optimize email campaigns with AI-driven insights.

I’ll show you step-by-step how to integrate AI into your marketing strategy—so you can stop wasting time on repetitive tasks and start focusing on growth.

Download the free ‘AI Success Kit’ (limited time only). And you’ll also get a free chapter from Ben’s brand new book, ‘The Wolf is at The Door – How to Survive and Thrive in an AI-Driven World.’

Time moves differently for founders. It does not unfold in a predictable rhythm of hours and days but stretches and contracts under the weight of ambition, urgency and uncertainty. Entrepreneurs exist in a paradox: They work at relentless speeds, yet months vanish in an instant as they race toward their next milestone.

This phenomenon, which I call the Founder’s Time Dilation Effect, mirrors the physics of gravitational time dilation, where time slows under extreme gravitational forces or at high velocities. Founders, operating at what can feel like the speed of vision, experience a similar distortion. Their obsession with long-term impact lifts them above the everyday routine, altering their perception of time itself.

Related: 6 Habits That Help Successful People Maximize Their Time

A shift in perception: From employee to founder

I first recognized this shift when transitioning from an employee to an entrepreneur. As an employee, time felt structured defined by pay cycles, deadlines and predictable performance metrics. There was always another meeting, another review, another quarter. But as a founder, time became something else entirely. Every moment became a resource, measured not by the clock but by progress toward survival and success.

Breaking free from that structured existence was both exhilarating and daunting. The weight of decision-making, innovation and risk compressed time, leaving little room for anything that did not directly serve the mission. There was no waiting for the next quarter — everything had to happen now.

Elon Musk captured this mindset perfectly when he said, “If you need inspiring words, don’t do it.” Founders do not need external motivation because their internal drive dictates their pace. They experience time differently because every second counts.

The physics of founders: When vision distorts time

Physics tells us that time slows in strong gravitational fields or at extreme speeds. In much the same way, founders experience time distortion because they operate under relentless pressure while pushing forward at full velocity.

This effect does not eliminate gravity, though. Founders remain weighed down by existential business realities — funding, operations, payroll and execution. Jeff Bezos spoke candidly about Amazon’s early struggles, often describing how the company teetered on the edge of failure. He made critical decisions under extreme time pressure, knowing that survival depended on moving faster than the market.

This phenomenon is not exclusive to startup founders. The Entrepreneur’s Guide to Effective Time Management highlights how even experienced business leaders must master time efficiency to maintain their competitive edge. Corporate executives face similar challenges, balancing operational urgency with long-term strategic execution. Satya Nadella’s transformation of Microsoft into a cloud-first company required navigating both immediate and future-oriented demands.

The founder’s duality: The Actor and the Observer

At the heart of the Founder’s Time Dilation Effect lies a cognitive duality that defines how entrepreneurs experience time:

• The Actor: The execution-focused self that operates in the now, making rapid decisions, solving problems and driving momentum. The Actor lives in compressed time, where days disappear in a blur of meetings, deadlines and crises.

• The Observer: The strategic self that steps back to analyze, course-correct and plan for the long term. The Observer sees time accelerating, feeling the pressure of dwindling runway and shrinking windows of opportunity.

Both roles are essential, but maintaining balance is difficult. The Actor risks burnout, and the Observer risks paralysis from over-analysis. A Journal of Applied Psychology study emphasizes the importance of leaders balancing action and reflection to improve decision-making and resilience under pressure.

This challenge intensifies for founders making the transition to CEO. How to Successfully Make the Leap from Founder to CEO explores how entrepreneurs must shift from hands-on execution to strategic leadership without losing control of their vision.

Related: 15 Time Management Tips for Achieving Your Goals

Breaking free from gravity: The entrepreneurial altitude shift

The shift from employee to entrepreneur is not just a career change — it is a transformation in how time is experienced. Employees operate within a structured timeline, while founders must create their own.

This newfound altitude provides a broader perspective, but it also increases the stakes. Founders must reconcile the gravitational pull of operational demands with their need to stay focused on long-term vision.

Steve Jobs mastered this balance by championing relentless prioritization. His famous mantra, “Innovation is saying no to a thousand things,” illustrates how successful entrepreneurs eliminate distractions to sustain momentum.

Are You Thinking Like a Founder? 4 Principles Every Successful Team Should Follow delves into the mindset shifts required to sustain this level of adaptability, resilience and clarity of purpose.

Mastering the Founder’s Time Dilation Effect: 3 strategies for success

Entrepreneurs must learn to manage time as both a tactical and strategic resource. Here are three proven strategies to avoid being overwhelmed by the distortion of time:

1. Balance execution and reflection

   • Allocate dedicated time for deep work (Actor mode) and strategic reflection (Observer mode).

   • Research from McKinsey suggests that leaders who balance these two states report significantly higher productivity and clarity.

2. Prioritize with ruthless discipline

   • Use frameworks like the Eisenhower Matrix to separate urgent distractions from important priorities.

   • Steve Jobs’ ability to cut through the noise and focus on critical goals kept Apple on a path to industry dominance.

3. Stay grounded in purpose

Related: 11 Time Management Mistakes You Are Probably Making

Entrepreneurs do not experience time as a neutral force. It bends and warps under the weight of urgency, ambition and uncertainty. The Founder’s Time Dilation Effect is both an advantage and a challenge, it compresses the present and accelerates the future, demanding that leaders master both execution and vision.

For me, this realization marked the difference between working a job and building a legacy. Breaking free from conventional time structures required abandoning external validation and embracing the reality that time is the entrepreneur’s greatest asset.

Elon Musk’s words remain true: Entrepreneurship is not for those who need external motivation. It is for those willing to operate at the altitude of purpose and vision, where time becomes elastic and every decision shapes the future. The question is not whether time will pass — it is how you will choose to navigate it.

Budding entrepreneurs and startup founders know this to be true: time is money. According to Zippia, the average business owner works more than 50 hours per week, meaning every minute counts. Instead of sitting through meetings attempting to multi-task and pay attention, let My Notes AI help you out.

What is it? It’s an AI-powered note transcriber and summarizer app that works with your iPhone, iPad, and Mac to help you catch every single word, even as you’re drafting emails to partners or completing separate tasks during presentations.Think of it as your very own personal assistant. Grab lifetime access for only $39.99 (reg. $299) for a little while longer—that’s the best price you’ll find online.

The AI tool that captures every word

Whether you’re meeting with vendors or listening in on an internal company meeting, you likely don’t want to miss anything. That’s why My Notes AI exists, to help you capture every word. Quit trying to draft emails while frantically scribbling down what the finance or engineering team is saying—that’s what this app is for.

You’ll be able to transcribe both live recordings and audio files, and this iOS-friendly app even offers unlimited transcriptions. However, the app doesn’t stop there. Its AI is capable of producing instantaneous summaries from lengthy transcriptions, allowing you to take the big ideas of any lecture or presentation and apply them more practically. Thismight be perfect if you’re brainstorming a new marketing or outreach campaign for your brand.

Once you’ve let My Notes AI take notes from your transcriptions or audio files, you’ll get summaries you can organize with the app’s advanced tools. Sort them by topic, dates, and more to help you avoid losing vital information for a new business initiative or deal. Collaborating with another coworker or new client? The app makes it simple to share your notes.

Make the most out of any meeting. Entrepreneurs can grab lifetime access to My Notes AI transcribing and summarizing features for just $39.99 while this best-of-web pricing lasts.

My Notes AI Pro Plan: Lifetime Subscription – AI Note Transcriber & Summarizer

Only $39.99 at Entrepreneur

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